Weekly Agenda: Work it

Have you felt underdressed the past few days? Have you hit the town eager to own it, only to slink back home minutes later, your eyes fixed on your mud-stained sneakers? You’re not being paranoid (although it wouldn’t kill you to iron a shirt every once in a while): We’re in the middle of MN Fashion Week, which means the normally stylish folk are pulling out all the stops and putting the rest of us to shame. So this weekend, make an effort. And if you need some styling tips, just dip into this week’s calendar.

Of Montreal and Janelle Monáe (Thursday, First Avenue)
Guys, you like attention, don’t you? And you’d have no problem wearing silver face paint, right? Like, in a way that’s not quite as masculine as the guys in Kiss? What about short shorts? Fishnets? Listen, just go through your sister’s old dance costumes and throw on something sparkly. Trust us, you’ll be a hit.

And ladies, Monáe’s androgynous wear radiates cool. Put together a dapper outfit involving some combination of suspenders, a necktie, a tailored jacket, and a pompadour, and tightrope-walk right past the haters. (But seriously, no one hates Janelle.)

Slash (Thursday, Medina Entertainment Center)
He may not seem like a style icon, but think about it: Slash’s leather vest, top hat, and shades are an immediately recognized, head-turning look—and an easy one at that. (With Halloween looming, procuring a top hat is easier than ever.) It also says, “I’m a dude who goes shirtless. Deal with it.”

Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Thursday, Heights Theater)
A pink satin gown and full-length evening gloves are très dramatic, but no one would dare call you anything less than fabulous. Plus, this ensemble shows that you appreciate a classic. While Lady Gaga’s meat dress is rotting away, you’ll be a picture of timeless glamour. You’ll almost certainly smell better too.